Today, many homes either have a mudroom, a mudroom that is part of another room like the laundry room or an entryway designed as a place to easily take off outer clothing and store them conveniently away. It acts essentially as a buffer from the dirt that can be tracked from the out-of-doors into our living spaces. And especially now that we’re heading into spring and spring-cleaning mode, a mudroom or a mudroom type entryway can come in handy.

Decide where your mudroom will be. If it is in its own room or by the back door, you can go more casual than if you are designing a mudroom that will be part of your front foyer.

Opt for easy-to-clean, waterproof flooring such as tile, vinyl, laminate or stone. If your mudroom is a part of another room that is carpeted, add a mat or mats made of seagrass, bamboo or material that can be easily machine-washed. This will protect your wall-to-wall carpeting and save you from having to spot clean the area all the time.

Because this will be a high-traffic area, choose paint or wallpaper that is low-maintenance. Many types of paint and wallpaper can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Particularly if your mudroom is by the front door, consider adding an accent chest or console table with concealed storage. It will also be a handy place to leave keys or messages.

A coat rack paired with a bench like the Linon Storage Bench Short Split Seat Storage creates the ideal place for family and guest alike to sit and take of shoes or boots and then hang up their coats.

If you have a closet in the room or in the entryway, make it part of your mudroom design by adding a shoe rack to one end. Plan on hanging just jackets directly above the shoe rack to maintain the functionality of your closet,

Increase the storage capacity of your mudroom by placing a row of hooks above the storage bench or on the opposite wall. The Prepac Sonoma Black Cubbie Shelf Wall Coat Rack for Entryway includes hooks and cubby storage, which is ideal for a mudroom.

It is the color of roses; the color ascribed to the heart; and of course it is the predominate color associated with Valentine’s Day. Since it is such a rich and vibrant color, it is the ideal choice for spicing up the rooms of our homes. A red club chair in a corner of the living room will brighten up the space. A red storage bench, like the Modus Upholstered Milano Storage Bench in Red Leatherette in a bedroom or hallway will add a punch of color as well as functionality. While a little red might go a long way, red is truly a passionate color and when cleverly integrated into a room, it can make the space bold yet warm.

Adding a splash of red to a den, living room or family room may be as simple as draping the Daniadown Arizona Red Throw over the arm of the sofa. It will also make the sofa a cozy place to snuggle when watching TV or a favorite movie.

And speaking of staying at home with that special someone isn’t this just the coolest loveseat you’ve ever seen? The Elite Home Theater Seating Curved Loveseat Cuddle Couch is designed especially for two and offers optional cozy features like a swivel tray, cup holder and matching ottoman that allow you to customize it to your movie watching specifications. And the best part is that this home theater loveseat comes in red.

Or if a standard loveseat appeals to you more, how about the Global Furniture USA Edwards Red Leather Loveseat? It displays a modern or contemporary style that has a chic and trendy, yet comfortable appearance.

The combination of style and color will make this loveseat the natural focal point of any room it’s in.

Turn a monochromatic or earth-toned sofa into a conversation piece by pairing it with the Powell Color Story Crimson Red End Table. Placing an red end table, sofa table or accent chest in a neutral-tone furnished room not only brings color into the space but also adds texture to the décor.

Because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, adding a red fireplace to a living room or family room wouldn’t be a bad idea. While the Southern Enterprises Tennyson Mahogany Fireplace with Bookcases isn’t strictly red, mahogany wood is known for its rich red hues. The same goes for mahogany wood finishes. Even though it doesn’t shout red, this fireplace will warm up a room, both literally and visually.

For the everyday man, what is the number one goal in home design he’d like to achieve? Comfort. When some women decorate their home, they put looks before comfort, but a lot of men tend to think differently. They want a place that’s low-maintenance, relaxing, and simple. Lots of women may opt for this as well, but the main difference between the two gender’s décor is how it looks overall.

No matter where a man lives, whether it’s a condo, house, or loft, they all have one theme in common – functionality. Normally, the most important factor of their home is the electronics. They may not necessarily add to the décor, but a big screen TV,

Big TV Stands , laptop, or video game system may be considered their focal point!

When it comes to furniture, a piece that’s definitely the ultimate in comfort is a recliner.

Catnapper Magnum Chaise Oversized Rocker Recliner with Sensate Heat-Massage and X-TRA Comfort Ottoman

Coaster Furniture King Black Leather Recliner

Simmons Upholstery Geneva Recliner

Match the recliner’s cushy, oversized look with a sofa set that’s in the same style. If you’re worried that oversized pieces will make a room seem smaller, that’s actually the opposite of their effect – they can actually make a room look bigger depending on how you arrange them.

Distinction Leather Skirted 3 Piece Leather Living Room Set

Klaussner Furniture Auburn Sofa Set

Coaster Sao Paulo 3 Piece Leather Living Room Set

To add even more comfort to the living room, try an ottoman instead of a coffee table. Its padded top can act as a footrest, as well as a tabletop and even storage.

Modus Milano Leather Storage Bench

Wholesale Interiors Baxton Studio Dark Brown Tufted Leather Cube Ottoman

4D Concepts Large Faux Leather Lift Top Brown Ottoman

If you’re looking for a dining room table, less is more. A table with little to no details, in a dark shade, represents masculine style.

Klaussner Furniture Ashton Dining Room Table

Stanley Furniture Lincoln Park Maple Parsons Table in Dark Java Finish

TransDeco – Black Glass Dining Table

A desk can also work in the same style. If you’ve needed one for your home office, depending on the amount of storage you need, there’s a masculine desk out there for you.

South Shore Furniture Element Brown Computer Desk

Ameriwood Industries Tiverton Black Corner Computer Desk

Bestar Connexion Corner Home Desk

Lots of men really don’t care about a bed frame or headboard – they feel like all they need is a comfy mattress and sheets to fall asleep. So, the simpler the bed frame, the better – and usually no headboard is required.

South Shore Furniture Back Bay Dark Chocolate Platform Bed

Prepac Manhattan Platform Storage Bed Drawers

Night and Day Furniture Spices Coriander Wood Platform Bed

Another piece that can be considered almost electronic is lighting. There are so many advanced-looking lights out there, so you can be sure to find one for a technologic mind.

Lite Source Swing-Arm Clamp On Lamp in Polished Silver

Adesso Eternity Extended Gooseneck Lamp

ELK Lighting Novelty Starship Pendant

What about paint colours? Some men can’t be bothered to pick out paint colours because it may be considered an unnecessary detail, but it will tie the whole masculine design scheme together. Colours that are associated with men are the dark, deep versions of primary colours – navy, red, green, and of course black & white for accent. Here are a few samples from Benjamin Moore to get you inspired:

Nicolette Interior Design Diva